LDLN Contact Lecteurs - 1969 101

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Vivez Autrement" from June 1969, primarily in French, delves into a range of unconventional topics, from questioning the efficacy of vaccinations to exploring ancient mysteries, cryptozoology, and potential future technologies. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards established scientific dogma and societal norms, encouraging readers to question accepted truths and explore alternative perspectives.

Vaccination Skepticism

The lead article critically examines the effectiveness of smallpox vaccination. It cites data from India, particularly an epidemic in Madras in 1963, where a new vaccine showed remarkable success in preventing severe cases and deaths compared to unvaccinated individuals. However, the article questions whether vaccination is the sole or primary factor in the regression of smallpox, pointing to high vaccination rates in countries like France and England where the disease is virtually unknown, and contrasting this with high mortality rates in countries with mandatory double and triple vaccinations, such as Italy and Portugal. It also notes that countries with total freedom from vaccination, like Switzerland, have had no deaths from smallpox, suggesting that higher living standards and hygiene might play a more significant role than vaccination itself. The article concludes that there is no definitive proof that vaccination has eradicated or reduced smallpox, and that the disease's evolution may be independent of vaccination efforts.

Scientific Inquiry and the 'Little Spoon'

Alex Pirson's article, "LA SCIENCE ET LA PETITE CUILLER" (Science and the Little Spoon), argues that contemporary science is facing numerous challenges and mysteries, leading to a shift from certainty to questioning. He advocates for an open mind, citing figures like Bergson, Roger Bacon, Laplace, Claude Bernard, Jean Rostand, Louis Pauwels, and Alistair Mac Lean, who emphasize the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and the acceptance of the extraordinary. Pirson suggests that many established scientific beliefs are based on ignorance and that true understanding requires challenging conventional wisdom, likening the process to stirring a cup with a 'little spoon' to uncover hidden truths.

Ancient Mysteries and Technology

The article then explores various historical and archaeological enigmas. It references the discovery of the city of Troy by Schliemann, the discovery of the coelacanth, and inscriptions suggesting advanced ancient technology, including 'cosmonaut' and 'rocket' drawings from the Middle East and South America, hinting at the existence of astronautics 10,000 years ago. The accuracy of the Mayan calendar is highlighted, surpassing that of the Gregorian calendar, despite the Mayans lacking telescopes. The article also notes the perplexity of archaeologists regarding the discovery of ancient cities like Çatal-Hüyük (dating back 9-10,000 years) and Lepenski-Vir (7,500 years), which predate the commonly accepted origin of civilization in Sumer.

The Homo Pongoïdes and Cryptozoology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to cryptozoology, particularly the "Homo Pongoïdes." Bernard Heuvelmans' preliminary note on a specimen preserved in ice, described as having the morphological characteristics of a Neanderthal man, is presented as a major revelation. Discovered in December 1968 in the American Midwest, this finding, made in collaboration with Ivan T. Sanderson, is expected to revolutionize paleontology. The article mentions the involvement of the Smithsonian Institute and the FBI in investigating the specimen. The text also discusses the Yeti, or "abominable snowman," and the Sasquatch, or "Big-Foot," in North America. It details John Green's compilation of over 250 documents on the Sasquatch, including a 16mm film showing the creature. Research efforts, including a $75,000 grant, are underway to capture a Sasquatch.

Levitation and Ancient Engineering

Another section, "LA LEVITATION: PHENOMENE D'HIER REALISATION DE DEMAIN ?" (Levitation: Phenomenon of Yesterday, Realization of Tomorrow?), explores the possibility of ancient levitation techniques used in constructing megalithic structures like the Pyramids, Tiahuanaco, and Baalbek. It highlights the research of Professor John West and M.B.V. Jayawant, who have reportedly achieved magnetic levitation of a 14-kilogram iron mass using opposing electromagnets and a resonance capacitor. The article suggests that this technique, while posing challenges in miniaturization, could potentially be scaled up for lifting heavy objects like cars or girders, and for high-speed travel.

Environmental Concerns and Other Topics

Barry Commoner's contribution, "QUELLE TERRE LAISSERONS-NOUS A NOS ENFANTS?" (What Earth Will We Leave to Our Children?), warns about the irreversible and persistent effects of scientific progress on the environment, including air, water, and food contamination. He advocates for ecological balance and the responsible use of science. The magazine also includes a section on "NOS LIVRES SÉLECTIONNÉS" (Our Selected Books), offering titles on health, agriculture, and various scientific and historical topics, as well as a bibliography for the articles presented.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Vivez Autrement" include skepticism towards established scientific and medical authorities (particularly regarding vaccination), a fascination with ancient civilizations and their potentially advanced technologies, and an interest in cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking, questioning conventional narratives, and exploring fringe theories and discoveries that challenge mainstream understanding. There is a clear emphasis on the idea that "the inconceivable is probable" and that science, while valuable, should not be treated as an infallible dogma.